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| RatDog | | Chaac |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 09 Jan 2013 - 01:57 Post title : Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update | | | It warmed up into the 40's (f) here today and in as much as I was working at home, I took my new 2012 Storm out for a "lunch" break. I've accumulated about 240 miles on the ODO since taking delivery exactly one month ago - and I am loving this bike! The power, the sound, and the handling are all great. Did I say it looks great too? The weather is looking promising for the next couple of days so I hope to get more time in the saddle soon.
In other news, my Hardstreet Slimbags and Edge Brackets arrived a few days ago. Installation tips so far include:
- Replace the two rearmost OEM fender rail bolts with the supplied keepers. The frontmost OEM fender rail bolt is larger in diameter so that spot cannot be used. The vendor (CAO Distributing) advised me that the installation will actually be stronger in this configuration anyway.
- For conspicuity's sake, it is important to me that the rear of the bags do not obscure the turn signals. I have seen some pics posted where this was not the case. In order to avoid that problem, you will need to disassemble all three of the bolts on the front bracket slider, move that slider to the rear until it passes the stop in the bracket grove, and reinstall the bolts.
- Thus far, an open face wrench for the slider bolts and a hex key for the keepers have been the only tools required.
- Currently, I am finding that the Edge Brackets are not so easy to get on and off the keepers - and I wonder if I might also need more spacers than provided or a different spacer configuration.
- It also looks like there is not much room to play with when identifying good spots to drill holes into the side of the bags. I am having a rough time getting the bags to line up in a position that seems like it will mate with the bracket and look right. That having been said, I know it is possible so I will just keep working on it!
- One question for the group here too... Should I have any concern about the distance (or lack thereof) between the rear of the shock and the front edge of each bracket? The way I have it right now, there is about 1/4 inch front to back between the two. I guess I am wondering if the shock might move and come into contact with the bracket...? (scuse me if that is a completely stupid question!)
- One suggestion for CAO so far - I would be easier to tighten down or loosen the the slider bolts if they would accept a hex key.
That's it for the moment... now back out to the garage! :)
Regards,
Paul
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 09 Jan 2013 - 02:14 |
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 09 Jan 2013 - 03:11 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: RatDog) | | | Update...
- Brackets are now successfully installed. Problem attaching and unattaching brackets boiled down to spacer config issue. Ended up going with two spacers and a washer in the back and just a washer up front.
- At this point, the front slider is pushed against the front stop in the rear bracket groove (meaning: I am not using the front groove, and the bracket is pulled as far aft as possible. This configuration appears to give me the positioning I want for the bags - but I won't know for sure until I fuss with it a bit more.
- One nit at the moment... The right side bracket stays firmly in place when locked. The left side bracket however has a bit of up/down(?) play in it - I dread potential rattle at speed. Will have to investigate this later.
Stay tuned....
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 09 Jan 2013 - 03:11 |
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| intimidator32 | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2012 | | Posts | : | 913 | | Location | : | lexington, ky, United States |
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| | Posted : 09 Jan 2013 - 23:42 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: RatDog) | | | not sure about the edge brackets , ratdog, i have easy brackets but i think there very similar. i used the front 2 fender bolts because if you have the triumph sissy bar the rear bolt is covered. if you get them mounted and are having trouble getting them on and off use a little white grease on the bracket holes and work them a little. you can loose and tighten the mounting bolts to get them just right with no rattle. overall i find these bags very useful and they look good too.
ron
| currently on a slow Harley but will have another Triumph eventually 
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| mat1600 | | Thunderbird | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 10 Jan 2013 - 00:09 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: intimidator32) | | | I mounted my e/brackets on the back two mounts. I found they were more in the center of the panniers, therefore the weight distribution is better. My backrest is also on the back two so I just turned up some stainless bobbins to suit the quick release for both. Works like a treat. I am just making some brackets to mount a cross bar to run from one pannier to the other to hold them a bit more steadier.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| intimidator32 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2012 | | Posts | : | 913 | | Location | : | lexington, ky, United States |
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| | Posted : 10 Jan 2013 - 11:50 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: mat1600) | | | matt, do you have the triumph sissy bar or something else? i agree back 2 bolt are better but my bags seem to be very stable and i dont see a need for a stabilizing bar but i try not to put to much weight in them.
| currently on a slow Harley but will have another Triumph eventually
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| mat1600 | | Thunderbird | | | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 10 Jan 2013 - 12:31 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: intimidator32) | | | No not standard Backrest.
I am just putting the stabilizing bar on in preperation of Mrs1600 seeing that extra room available 
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2013 - 16:29 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: mat1600) | | | In our last episode, RatDog finally managed to get the EDGE brackets installed.
Next I held the bags in position against the brackets and had my dear wife trace the bracket outline and bolt holes with a silver sharpy. She loved giving my bag a reach around from below out in the cold garage to get that done!
Now I have encountered two small problems though, and wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience or can suggest alternatives....
1) When placed against the bag in the position we traced in preparation for drilling the required fastener holes into the bags, the rear top corner of the bracket sits on top of a small (~1/4 inch high) structural ridge that runs along the outside/top of the bag back. As a result the bracket is not flush with the bag back and wobbles a bit. The positioning seems right, but if that's so surely others have encountered this...? Tech Support at Hardstreet suggested installing a rubber pad that matches the shape of the bracket between the bag and bracket to fill the space, spread load, dampen vibes, and hold up against moister, etc. This is my current plan, but again wondering what y'all here think about that concept...? Also need to figure out where to find said rubber material... (Home Despot maybe?)
2) The front bottom bracket hole lines up very very close to one of three small indents in the back of the bag. If the hole were slightly "northeast" of its current location this would not be an issue. Here again, Hardstreet tech support offered a suggestion: drill a new hole in the bracket - guys said that would be fine (e.g. would not weaken the bracket). Sounds OK to me - but I don't relish the idea of executing the plan.
Got comments or suggestions anyone?
P.S. I also confirmed that the two top bolts used to fasten the bag to the bracket need to go through the sliders. Also the washer is goes on the inside of the bag - and CAO provides small rubber caps that you can use to cover the bolt ends as well as plugs that can be used to seal up any holes drilled during the install that you don't want to use. Finally, I would again repeat my suggestion to CAO that they provide bracket slider bolts that accept hex keys as I really struggled with using an open face wrench to tighten down these bolts - especially the ones inside the top of the sliders.
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 11 Jan 2013 - 16:40 |
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| Dougl | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 13/07/2012 | | Posts | : | 544 | | Location | : | Reno, Nevada, United States |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2013 - 17:11 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: intimidator32) | | |
intimidator32 wrote:
not sure about the edge brackets , ratdog, i have easy brackets but i think there very similar. i used the front 2 fender bolts because if you have the triumph sissy bar the rear bolt is covered. if you get them mounted and are having trouble getting them on and off use a little white grease on the bracket holes and work them a little. you can loose and tighten the mounting bolts to get them just right with no rattle. overall i find these bags very useful and they look good too.
ron |
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Sigh. The Easy Brackets with Slimbags mount perfectly over the Triumph sissybar. You shouldn't have to drill holes or use rubber spacers.
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| intimidator32 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2012 | | Posts | : | 913 | | Location | : | lexington, ky, United States |
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| | Posted : 11 Jan 2013 - 17:24 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: mat1600) | | |
mat1600 wrote:
No not standard Backrest.
I am just putting the stabilizing bar on in preperation of Mrs1600 seeing that extra room available |
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i like the look of that backrest but mine came with the triumph model so i guess I'm stuck with it, it looks a little big but its strong and mrs. intimidator likes it so i guess i'll keep things as is as far as her seating arrangement is.
| currently on a slow Harley but will have another Triumph eventually
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| HRRA13 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 30/06/2012 | | Posts | : | 14 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Jan 2013 - 07:52 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: intimidator32) | | | This thread needs pics. 
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| Dougl | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 13/07/2012 | | Posts | : | 544 | | Location | : | Reno, Nevada, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Jan 2013 - 21:39 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: HRRA13) | | |
HRRA13 wrote:
This thread needs pics. |
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Slimbags mounted on Easy Brackets - no muss no fuss.
 
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Jan 2013 - 21:45 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: Dougl) | | | Damn. Feeling a definite pang of regret that I went with the Edge brackets. The primary reason I went with Edge was that I had the impression - obviously incorrect - that they were the only quick on/off option. From the pics above, and the ones on Fast Eddy's site, it is clear the Easy's do allow quick on/off. It was also my understanding that the Edge brackets would work perfectly with the Slimbags, but I double checked earlier today and I can't see how - due to the shape and size relative to the back of the bags (they appear to be much bigger than the Easy brackets) - without the workarounds I mentioned earlier, which seem like they should not be necessary and might prove problematic in other ways.
Think I am going to inquire about returning the Edge brackets in favor of picking up some Easy's. Harumph....
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 12 Jan 2013 - 21:54 |
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Jan 2013 - 21:48 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: Dougl) | | | Dougl,
Got any pics of the bags mounted looking at the tail end of the bike? I am curious to see if the turn signals clear the back of the bags...
Paul
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
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| bondage007 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 18/07/2011 | | Posts | : | 263 | | Location | : | Glocester, Rhode Island, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Jan 2013 - 21:53 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: RatDog) | | | Here are my slimbags with easy brackets from FastEddy.
They were easy to mount.I used painter's blue tape to hold while mounting brackets.
Mount studs first.
Good luck
John
| 2010 Thunderbird Factory 1700, Uni Filter, Hogslayers, 7" Adjure Headlamp Lamp Upgrade
"When injustice becomes law rebellion becomes duty"
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Jan 2013 - 21:55 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: bondage007) | | | Sweet. They look great. Gracias. Will be making some phone calls early next week I guess.
BTW: In the 50's (f) here today, put another 70 on the ODO. Love this machine! Looking forward to getting out with me Hardley mates tomorrow. Also, spied a 2013 Trophy at one of my local Triumph dealers - and I gotta say the rumors of it being a flat out carbon copy of the BMW RT are false! There are lots of little differentiators - kind of resembles what you might get if you crossed that BMW with an FJR. Love it!
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 12 Jan 2013 - 22:01 |
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| Dougl | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 13/07/2012 | | Posts | : | 544 | | Location | : | Reno, Nevada, United States |
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| | Posted : 12 Jan 2013 - 22:07 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: RatDog) | | |
RatDog wrote:
Dougl,
Got any pics of the bags mounted looking at the tail end of the bike? I am curious to see if the turn signals clear the back of the bags...
Paul |
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Here are some from the back.
 
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 13 Jan 2013 - 00:48 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: Dougl) | | | Game. Set. Match. Lookin good there Dougl. We have a winner/plan. Cheers.
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
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| dribt | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 31/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 382 | | Location | : | Maitland, NSW, Australia |
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| | Posted : 14 Jan 2013 - 05:50 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: RatDog) | | |
RatDog wrote:
Game. Set. Match. Lookin good there Dougl. We have a winner/plan. Cheers. |
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Hi Paul, I have the Hardstreets and followed an easy set of instructions to mount mine with Easy brackets (from rapid Edward). If you change and get stuck PM me and I will ferret out the instructions and send them to you 
| Cheers, Max
________________________________________________
It's about bikes; riding bikes, talking about riding bikes, talking about bikes you ride and talking about rides you've biked...
The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions...
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 14 Jan 2013 - 20:50 Post title : Re: Winter Fun & Hardstreet Slimbags w/ EDGE Bracket Install Status Update (Re: dribt) | | | Cheers, Max!
Good news, I spoke to Hardstreet. They understood the problem and agreed to issue an RMA. +1 for Hardstreet customer service I'd say. I wonder if they might work things out with CAO to modify the Edge brackets someday. Until then Easy brackets are the only way to go if you want quick release slimbags and don't want to cover up or relocate your rear turn signals.
Eddy - Looks like I will be placing an order for TBird Easy brackets (no backrest) shortly.
Can't wait to finally get these beautiful bags properly installed on my ride!
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 14 Jan 2013 - 20:55 |
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